Guide · CV writing
Legal CV Example: Lawyers, Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal CV example for solicitors, attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants: qualifications, practice areas, matters, confidentiality and a formal layout.
A legal CV should be formal, precise and organized around qualifications, practice areas and the types of matters you have handled. Put admission or qualification status near the top, describe matters by type, value and complexity without breaching confidentiality, and highlight drafting, research, client management and any business development. For paralegals and assistants, show case management, systems and accuracy.
What recruiters look for
- Qualification and admission status.
- Practice area expertise.
- Complexity and value of matters.
- Drafting, research and advocacy skills.
- Client relationships and business development.
- Precision and discretion.
Example profile
Example
Commercial property solicitor with four years' post-qualification experience acting for landlords and lenders on leases, acquisitions and refinancing. Manages a caseload of 40+ matters and supervises a paralegal. Seeking a senior associate role in a regional firm.
Achievement bullets
- Managed a caseload of 40+ commercial lease and acquisition matters.
- Acted on a portfolio refinancing secured on 25 properties.
- Drafted template lease documents adopted across the team.
- Supervised and trained 2 paralegals.
- Managed disclosure for a multi-party commercial dispute (paralegal).
Describe matters without breaching confidentiality
Use type, sector and approximate value: "Acted for a national retailer on the acquisition of a distribution centre" rather than client names.
Skills
Drafting, legal research, negotiation, case management systems, due diligence, client care, billing and time recording.
See the best CV format and how to write a CV.
Browse all legal CV templates.
Tailor by legal role
| Role | Emphasize |
|---|---|
| Trainee or newly qualified | Seats, matters assisted on, academic results, legal work experience |
| Associate | Practice area expertise, matter types and values, client relationships |
| Senior or partner track | Business development, supervision, practice growth |
| Paralegal | Case management, research, document management, systems |
| Legal assistant | Diary, billing, document production, client contact |
Example experience entry
Example
Associate, Commercial Property, Hart and Cole LLP, 2021 to present
Act for landlords, tenants and lenders on leases, acquisitions and refinancing. Run a caseload of 40+ matters, supervise one paralegal, and drafted the team's revised lease precedent.
Common mistakes
- Naming confidential clients or matters.
- Long lists of every matter, instead of representative examples.
- Informal language or a design-heavy layout.
- Errors in a document meant to prove attention to detail.
Frequently asked questions
What should a legal CV include?
Qualifications and admission, practice areas, types of matters and clients, key skills, achievements and relevant training.
How do I describe confidential matters?
Describe the type, value and complexity of matters without naming clients or revealing confidential details.
Should a legal CV be formal?
Yes. A classic, precise layout and formal tone suit most legal employers.
Keep reading
- How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews: The Complete Guide
- Executive CV Example: How Senior Leaders Should Present Results
- Software Engineer CV Example: How to Structure a Tech CV
- Teacher CV Example: How to Write a Teaching CV
- Healthcare CV Example: Nurses, Care Workers and Clinical Staff
- Finance CV Example: Accountants, Analysts and Finance Managers
- Engineering CV Example: How Engineers Should Present Projects and Skills
Everything in one download
All Industries CV Bundle
Every CV, cover letter and LinkedIn kit for all 12 industries. Ideal for career coaches, recruiters and anyone moving between fields.
$417 Combined value $1,044